When people ask you what makes Prague such a dynamic and interesting place to live, what do you tell them? Many residents are quick to mention the Heart of Europe’s impeccably preserved medieval architecture, its safety, and its young vibrant nightlife. What they don’t often praise, however, is the city’s internationally recognized, yet domestically undersold, gastronomic scene.

Over the past 30 years, Praguers’ food choices in grocery stores, restaurants, and on the streets have exploded in their quality and diversity. Home to much more than hearty bowls of goulash and Bageterie Boulevard, Prague is home to two Michelin starred establishments and boasts a wide variety of unforgettable culinary experiences. Luckily for us, in the City of a Hundred Spires, the month of March marks the return of some of Prague’s lauded outdoor gastronomic events, giving this city’s diners have plenty of reasons to lace up their shoes for food- (and drink) filled adventures. 

While Spring may be in the air, early March can still leave many food enthusiasts with a chill. Luckily, the first weekend of the month sees the Hořejší Nábřeží Embankment at Smichovská Náplavka play host to Prague’s annual Soup Festival. This riverside festival, scheduled for Sunday, March 4^th, promises to take attendees on a tasty trip around the world, with warm bowls ranging from Malaysian laksa to French bouillabaisse. Hungrier visitors will be able to sample an eclectic mix of street foods and desserts on offer, and, as always, admission is free. 

If you’re a street food enthusiast like me, one sampling in the month of March simply isn’t enough. Thankfully, ‘Street Food on Náplavka’ has us covered. Visitors returning to Prague 5’s Hořejší Nábřeží Embankment on Saturday the 18^th will be treated to a free, day-long culinary extravaganza featuring eats from burgers to bao and from ice cream to insects (they’re much tastier than they look, just don’t think too hard!). Experienced visitors always arrive before the lunchtime rush to avoid long lines and empty stomachs. 

If fried grasshoppers are still too tame for your taste, this next festival has you covered. On Sunday, March 19^th, the beautiful Novoměstská Radnice will provide the backdrop for Prague’s Festival of Delicate Flavours. Focusing on rare international delicacies you’d struggle to find at your local potraviny, this free event will be sure to satisfy your hunger for something exotic in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Be sure to stop in on your Sunday stroll past Karlovo Náměstí and tickle your palate with something new. 

As mentioned above, Prague undoubtedly boasts one of the most vibrant culinary scenes in Central Europe, but Czechia’s most significant contribution to the world of food and drink, and the commodity for which it is globally renowned (outside of Germany), is its award-winning beer. As the metropole of one of the world’s brewing powerhouses, Prague’s beer culture is second to none. Infused with generations of excellence and enthusiastic consumption, this city’s vibrant brewing tradition will once again be celebrated at this year’s annual Prague Beer Fest, which runs from March 31^st to April 4^th at Holešovická Tržnice. Visitors from far and wide will be able to choose from 150 unique and storied brews from 30 Czech and international breweries. From traditional tried and true pilsners, to experimental microbrews, to innovative non-alcoholic options, there is sure to be a beer (or two) for everyone’s taste, so bring your friends and don’t forget to sip some water between pints! Tickets are available online and at the door. 

As nights grow shorter and days grow warmer, be sure to keep an eye out for market stalls and pop-up food tents in your local square. They’ll help tide us over as we continue to eagerly anticipate the full range of unique, delicious, and exciting gastronomic events Prague as to offer through the summer season. Until then, stay tuned for our top picks for fun, fresh outdoor eats that are sure to satisfy your cravings.